This final section of reading Siegel continues his ideas of being present in an adolescents life. He tells the story of Andy. Andy went through the stage of adolescence like everyone else. He was becoming more away sexually. While many of his friends started becoming attracted to other girls, he found himself being attracted to other boys. He knew that he was different and felt anxious because he knew. Siegel explains how he went about counseling Andy's parents through theses changes. Siegel explains that these parents would claim to be open but found they were more closed off than they thought they would be.
The last part of this book has been challenging to think about. I think it is easy to say that we are all open and present with the teenagers that we encounter, but our actions show otherwise. Today, people care so much about pleasing others and that affects the way that we interact with adolescents. I am forced to ask myself, if I truly can see the beauty in the individual differences among teenagers. Siegel gives us practical ways to go about accepting youth exactly the way they are and encouraging them in their differences.
After reading this book, I feel that I have grown in understanding in many different areas. As someone aspiring to work in a field dealing with juveniles, I now have a better understanding of the development a teen goes through. Understanding what they go through emotionally, sexually, mentally, and physically will help me better empathize.
I like how you told the story of Andy and how is parents were involved in his life. It's hard to really understand when and how much we should be interactive with our kids. When is it too much? Good post.
ReplyDeleteYes, in another one of Siegel's books he talks extensively about the importance of helping children feel "seen." He's not necessarily referencing physical presence but that kids are accepted for who they are. I'm glad you felt the book was helpful
ReplyDeleteIt was cool that you were able to admit that you are forced to ask yourself if you can truly see the beauty in the individual differences among teenagers. We all want to say that we have no problem finding beauty in each and every person but that is not necessarily a reality. Insightful post.
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